The after-hours open house at Miller’s Country Store on 2737 W. Third St., sponsored by the Farmville Area Chamber of Commerce, included home-cooked samples and more importantly a taste of home.

The event took place from 5:30-7:30 p.m. on Tuesday, May 1. The store typically closes between 4 and 5:30 p.m.

Anna Miller has run the store for 18 years, and the store has become known for its locally grown and homemade food items such as sandwiches and baked goods, in addition to its selection of greeting cards and other trinkets. People reclined in chairs at round tables in the store’s cozy interior, smelling homemade sourdough doughnuts and deli meats.

Participants were able to win baskets and other prizes during a raffle.

Joy Stump, executive director with the chamber, said the after-hours events are ways to draw community members to area businesses.

Stump said the chamber wanted to “get as many people here as possible.”

Jennifer Kinne, marketing director with the chamber, said she wanted to “make sure Farmville knows about their Saturday doughnuts.”

The store sells fresh doughnuts every Saturday.

“Best kept secret in Farmville,” Kinne added.

Annika and Arlis Miller work in the store’s deli, and recommend their favorite sandwich, the roast beef deluxe, which can come with all of the fixings including cheese, lettuce, tomatoes and pickles.

Miller said she was glad for the program and to work with the chamber.

“Not our first open house, but it’s our first with the chamber,” Miller said.

“I think it’s great,” she said.